I have a 1989 E250 Camper Van (Conversion called a Falcon). It presently has a fuel injected 351 Windsor in it with a c6 transmission. I am unhappy with the power and fuel economy and have decided to swap the motor for a modern Ecoboost. I am undecided as to the best size of Ecoboost to swap, 2.7 or 3.5? I think either version would exceeded the horsepower, torque and mpg of my current Windsor. Does anyone have any experience swapping either one of these engines int an older ford platform? Which engine would be best as I do occasionally intend to tow a car on a car dolly behind the camper.

 

Last swap I did, I pulled the str8 6 out of a 67 Camaro and dropped in a 350 LT and trans from a crashed Vette. If you're real good and doing this stuff it'll still be a PIA, but jumping from an 89 to todays modern tech engines??? IMO you'd be better off with finding a chassis with the 2.7 / 3.5 already mounted and wired then doing a body swap. That's just me though, I'm stuck in the 60's and 70's.

 

You're not the first person to think about this swap.. there have been a couple threads recently around this topic lately. I think it's a good idea in theory but the physical mounting of the engine/trans combo is not the biggest challenge, making the engine function without all the other systems that are linked to engine control is where you will spend the most energy and money. If you have already found a solution for this be sure to share as I'm sure others will be interested.

There is a LOT of room for improvement with the 5.8 you have, it's not hard to get modern hp/tq from it and with an OD trans good milage too.. I have personally seen high teens out of one on long distance hwy cruising when not towing.

 

One of the more recent such threads:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...econoline.html

Sixto
07 E350 5.4 178K miles

 

I wouldn't think it would fit, if the van were 97+ you would have a better chance, wider bulkhead to fit the Triton, if you did, it would require turbo relocation, and that is why you would even want it, without them its gutless. The 5.8 would be far easier to get more power from it, put a turbo on it if you are looking for more, would be easier that fitting in the later engines and all the computer controls.